CR01 # 1 - Crawler Bug

[OldSchoolRC1 983]

This is my first CR01, I put it on backorder the day it was announced and has seen plenty of configurations and miles. Wasn't long until I was starting to tinker with it for more performance, and it has had more chassis and suspension setups than I can remember. It looks far different today as it has evolved, and it's still one of my favorite rigs. 

I've just given it an overhaul of sorts. Right now, it's sporting an older T-maxx body which fits the extended wheelbase. This is the second bug body, the first was painted as an homage to the Blitzer Beetle but after many trail runs and rollovers, it was due for a new one and I went a different direction with this one. Wheels are a beautiful set of Gearhead beadlocks, and it's running some older Losi tires with dual stage foams. I tray and stay around 4.5" tires which limits selection a bit  These tires may not have super scale looks, but they have great bite out on the rocks. 

Stock bumper is mounted out back and has saved my rear end more than a few times when the truck has tried to flip backwards. 

I cut a new chassis from 6061 that's about 2/3 the height of the stock chassis (and 1/4 the weight). Uses the stock chassis parts wherever possible. Gives a lower COG as well as more ground clearance. I've learned a lot since I built this one and an contemplating a new chassis with a few design changes though this one has served me very well. 

From the top. I've swapped out the stock trans for an SCX10 transmission. The stock trans is tough as nails and smooth as silk, but it's a bit large. The smaller SCX10 trans allowed me to tuck everything into the shorter chassis. I also swapped out the stock battery tray for a lighter aluminum plate/velcro setup. 

A modified Integy bumper sits up front. Shocks are a set of G-Mades in droop configuration. I've run these on many rigs and have not be a fan of the setup, but for whatever reason they flat out work on this rig.  

A fairly rare set of aluminum axle cases found their way on here. Aluminum does not slide as well as plastic for sure so it might be odd to find these on a performance truck. Having said that, there's not a lot of options for adding weight down low on these trucks other than the wheels. The axles cases are HEAVY and really do a good job of lowering the COG. Very happy with them. Lots of other goodies on the axles - KM, 3Racing, etc. and stuffed with Tamiya's lockers and HD parts.  

All in all, This is a darn good performing truck out on the trails and the rocks. And reliable...I've run brushless, 550's, 2 and 3S through this truck and it's never had a problem. The only item I've had to replace is the rear gears finally let go after a few years of running. 

My only wish is someone really needs to make some CVD's for these axles. My turning radius is just terrible. I may or may not do 4 wheel steering at some point, not sure.